Illinois quick hits: Anti-SLAPP bill signed; Chicago schools settles meditation case

August 21, 2025/

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Anti-SLAPP bill signed

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation to protect news media from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).

The governor said Senate Bill 1181 will ensure that the press won’t have to fear retaliation for telling the truth.

The measure takes effect immediately.

Chicago schools settles meditation case

A court-approved settlement of over $2.6 million is now being paid to 207 former Chicago Public School high school students who were required to participate in a transcendental meditation program during class.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys say the students’ rights were disregarded by the Chicago Board of Education, and students were coerced to practice a worldview that was in conflict with their faith.

Du Quoin State Fair begins

Friday is Day One and Family Night at the Du Quoin State Fair.

Now in its 102nd year, the fair features music, livestock shows, auto and harness racing, rodeos and agricultural exhibits.

The Du Quoin State Fair runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 1.

Latest News Stories

Lincoln-Way Support Staff Union Rejects Tentative Contract Agreement

LW210 Board of Education Meeting | October 16, 2025 Article Summary: Members of the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 support staff union have voted down a tentative five-year contract...

Mokena to Replace Invasive Callery Pear Trees with Grant Funding

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025 Article Summary: Mokena will remove invasive Callery Pear trees throughout the village and plant new, non-invasive species, thanks to a matching grant from...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for October 7, 2025

The Will County Legislative Committee held a long and contentious meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, highlighted by the narrow 4-3 passage of a controversial resolution supporting protections for immigrant...

Mokena School Board Approves Pacts with Unions to Address Bus Driver Shortage

Mokena School District 159 Board of Education Meeting | October 15, 2025 Article Summary: Mokena School District 159 will offer paid CDL training and stipends to teachers and staff who volunteer...

Mokena Hikes Business License Late Fees to $30

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board has approved an ordinance that significantly increases the penalty for late renewal of business licenses from a...

Mokena 159 Board Approves Increased Cost for Junior High Storage Shed Amid Budget Debate

Mokena School District 159 Board of Education Meeting | October 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education approved a cost increase for a new storage shed...

Mokena Approves Over $490,000 in Road and Sidewalk Repair Contracts

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board has awarded three separate contracts totaling nearly half a million dollars for street patching, pavement repair, and...

Will County Board Committee Passes Contentious ‘Live and Work Without Fear’ Resolution on 4-3 Vote

Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday narrowly passed a controversial resolution affirming the county's commitment to ensuring all residents...

Will County Awards $10.4 Million Contract for Bell Road Widening in Homer Glen Area

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday confirmed the award of a $10.4 million...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for October 7, 2025

The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, approved a major construction contract and reviewed extensive plans for both county and state transportation initiatives. The...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for October 7, 2025

The Will County Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, held a contentious meeting centered on the county’s finances, narrowly approving a preliminary $161.6 million county-wide tax levy on a...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for October 7, 2025

The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee spent the bulk of its meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, discussing the county’s long-term facilities master plan. Faced with an aging...

Mokena Board Honors 101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Raymond McClory

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board recognized longtime resident and World War II veteran Raymond L. McClory with a formal proclamation honoring his...

Mokena Extends Downtown TIF District to 2032 to Bolster Redevelopment

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025 Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board has formally approved a three-year extension for its downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, moving its expiration...

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025

The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop...

« Previous
1
…
6
7
8
9
10
…
54
Next »

MOKENA LOCAL